She was a celebrity, I a mere nobody, best known, if at all, as 'Miss Melhuish's husband.' Nevertheless, we were devoted to each other until, to her and my lasting misfortune, a certain author wrote a book which, when dramatized, contained a part for which my wife's stage presence and talents seemed to be peculiarly suited." Siddle stirred uneasily, but the others were still as partridges in stubble.

Ingerman did not intend to alarm the shy bird of the covey, however.
"I name no names," he said solemnly.

"Nor am I telling you anything that will not be thoroughly exposed before the coroner and elsewhere.

From that unhappy period dated our estrangement.

My wife fell under a fatal influence which lasted, practically unchecked, until the day, if not the very hour, of her death.